Inklingo
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timbre

TEEM-brayˈtim.bɾe

doorbell

Also: bell, buzzer
NounmA1
A close-up view of a simple, round silver doorbell button mounted next to a wooden door frame.

📝 In Action

Toca el timbre para avisar que llegaste.

A1

Ring the doorbell to let them know you arrived.

El timbre de mi casa no funciona, tienes que llamar a la puerta.

A2

My house's doorbell doesn't work, you have to knock on the door.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocar el timbre – to ring the doorbell
  • oír el timbre – to hear the bell

timbre

Also: tone quality, voice quality
NounmB1
A simplified illustration showing a stylized musical note symbol floating above an open mouth, representing the unique tone quality of a sound.

📝 In Action

Su voz tiene un timbre muy dulce y reconocible.

B1

Her voice has a very sweet and recognizable timbre (tone quality).

El violín y el chelo tienen timbres distintos, aunque toquen la misma nota.

B2

The violin and the cello have distinct timbres, even if they play the same note.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • timbre vocal – vocal timbre
  • timbre único – unique tone quality

revenue stamp

Also: official seal
NounmB2formal
Spain
A small, square, colorful official revenue stamp with a simple graphic design affixed to the corner of a plain white document.

📝 In Action

Necesitas comprar un timbre fiscal para validar este contrato.

B2

You need to buy a revenue stamp to validate this contract.

El abogado revisó que el documento tuviera el timbre oficial.

C1

The lawyer checked that the document had the official seal.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sello (stamp)
  • estampilla (postage stamp)

Common Collocations

  • timbre fiscal – tax/revenue stamp
  • papel timbrado – official/stamped paper

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: timbre

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'timbre' is used when describing a famous singer's unique voice?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
timbrar(to ring (the bell)) — Verb
entimbrar(to stamp (officially)) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
mimbrecumbre
📚 Etymology▼

Borrowed from French *timbre*. Its root relates to the idea of striking or ringing a bell (which led to the doorbell meaning) and the mark left by a stamp or seal (which led to the official stamp meaning).

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: timbreItalian: timbro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'timbre' the same as 'sello'?

Not exactly. While both mean 'stamp,' 'timbre' usually refers to an official or tax stamp required on legal documents. 'Sello' is much broader and is used for postal stamps or general rubber stamps.

How do I know which meaning of 'timbre' is being used?

Context is key! If you are at a door, it's the doorbell. If you are talking about music or voices, it's the tone quality. If you are discussing contracts or legal papers, it's the official stamp.